So I went to a famous author book signing tonight with a couple of coworkers. I kind of sort of almost felt guilty because I've read a couple of this authors books, but I'm not a huge fan. The author in question - Diana Gabaldon. I read Outlander and some of the second book - enough to see Claire and Jamie get back together. I have the rest of her books up to and including The Fiery Cross, but I find the size of them rather intimidating. I keep meaning to read more of them since I know they are well loved and well read by many.
But I'm really glad I went. She was a delight to listen to. It was held in a theatre style room and first she gave a talk on how she became an author. She was wickedly funny. Then she read, not from her latest book Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade, but rather she read an excerpt from her next book about Jamie and Claire. And I have to say, it sounds very intriguing. She said it wouldn't be out until next year or later so that gives me lots of time to catch up!
Then she answered some questions from the audience and then signed books. I didn't stay for the book signing part of it because I didn't think to bring any books to sign.
But if she ever comes to a location near you, she really is great fun to listen to!
'til later
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11 comments:
Oh wow. I went to a local booksigning for her and it was packed but she didn't do a talk. I haven't even finished the first book because like you the size of the books are intimidating and then I'm not sure they are really romance books. One of my best buds is a huge fan and she mentioned that after the last book, Claire and Jamie were getting a little old and she was worried that she would have to read about them dying. Yeah. No thanks!
cindyS
I heard Ms. Gabaldon speak at the National Book Festival in Washington,DC two years ago. It was absolutely fantastic. I don't think I've ever enjoyed myself at a book talk more. She was also very friendly and personable at the signing table.
I wish all authors were as happy to meet their readers.
I tried to read Diana Gabaldon a few years ago and just couldn't get into it. My friend keeps telling me I need to give her books another try, but I just don't know. I have way too many in my TBR pile as it is.
I would be squeeing like a major fan girl if I went to one of her signings!
Marg: I know she has a lot of real dedicated fans (including you *g*), that's why I kind of felt guilty, like I was taking a seat away from someone who would have squealed. The two friends from work though, were both real fans. Not that I'm not a fan...
Dev: I really enjoyed Outlander and I'm not quite sure why I haven't read the others. But now, after having seen and heard her, I think I will read them.
Meghan: I might have stayed for the signing but there was a huge crowd ahead of us, and I knew it would take forever to get through the line and well - Blood Ties was on and I wanted to catch the end of it.
Cindy: One of the funny things she said was how differently her books are marketed. I wouldn't say they are romance although there is a very strong romance in them. And she said there were still 2 more books to come.
LOL :) I can't believe you didn't get a book signed... :D but at least, it's great, you did enjoy yourself :D I've never read her books... maybe I should, but I don't know... as you said, the books are huge.
How cool! She is supposed to be an excellent speaker. She isn't on my squee list but I would definitely go see her if she were in my area (and that will be...let's see...never!). ;-)
You know, I've had A Breath of Snow and Ashes in the TBR since it came out (in hardcover!) and I haven't been able to make myself pick it up. I've enoyed all the others (some more, some less) but I can't seem to get mentally ready for this one...it's such an investment of time and, heaven knows, they aren't light reading - in any sense of the word. Yikes.
I will read it before the next one comes out!
That's so cool. I quit reading that series in the middle of Voyager (and I remember the exact spot). I have never been able to pick it up again. Like Cindy, I can't face Jamie and Claire dying. She sounds like a fascinating person and I'd love to hear her speak. But I won't be finishing the series. It's not a romance, it's an epic and I don't have the patience anymore. I'd rather be reading a romance anyway.
I've just finished her latest book and loved it. It's sort of a spin-off series from Outlander (focusing on Lord John) and the book length is much more manageable - her version of a novella :-)
I know what you mean about the size of the Outlander books - while I really enjoyed them, they're gathering dust on my bookshelves because I can't face a reread!
Oh yay! I got to see Diana a few years ago. I'm a def a major fangirl. I know she's not everyone's cup of tea but I LOVE Jamie and Claire. I'm with Cindy though I'm not gonna be happy if they die in them. But I'll def read them all.
TS (true story): My Dad has read the entire series too (and he's so not a big reader) but he, Mom and I were all doing something (I don't recall what) but my Dad said something about "Jamie." And Mom and I looked at him like "Who the hell is Jamie we don't know a Jamie." He got this "DUH." look on his face and in the most condescending voice he could muster he was like "Jamie and Claire, Jamie." Mom and I just about died. It was too funny.
I can't wait till the new book, it takes FOREVER for them to come out. I've been wanting to re-read them, if not all of them then at least Outlander.
Haven't read any of the Lord John books, they just didn't appeal to me.
Mollie: although it was overwhelmingly women in the audience, still there were men there too. Which makes sense since her books aren't really marketed as romance but more historical fiction. Although she did say how many different genres she's been marketed as - including horror. And that is too funny a story about your Dad *g*. Nice to have a series of books you could all read and enjoy!
Li: They are big - that's for sure. I do want to read the others in the series, but I look at them and I look at a regular sized book and think I could read 2 or 3 books by the time I read one of hers. If I could get into the mind set that it WILL take me a while to read them, maybe I could give 'em a go.
Renee: Now you've got me curious as to what exactly the place was where you stopped reading!! *g*
C2: She is an excellent speaker! Very funny and very interesting. I don't have A Breath of Snow and Ashes. I remember some bad reviews when it came out so I haven't picked it up.
"I can't believe you didn't get a book signed"
Nath - I KNOW!! But I'd completely forgotten about it. I was halfway to work and thinking about what to have for dinner when I remembered I was going out for dinner and then to the signing. And by that time it was too late to go back and grab one. I'm not really one to have my books autographed though for the most part.
And the line-up at the end was VERY long anyways *sigh*
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